Sacred Japan & South Korea

Day 1

Osaka

Arrive at Honshu’s largest port city Osaka where modern architecture and a vibrant dining scene are nestled alongside the 16th Century shogunate Osaka Castle, and make your way to your hotel where you will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Day 2

Osaka

Breakfast at the hotel before exploring Osaka, visiting such famous sites as Minoh Park and Osaka Castle. Minoh Park is one of Japan’s smallest National Parks with an area of just 9.6 sq kms. It is home to the 33-metre high Minoh Waterfall and diverse wildlife including Japanese Salamander and protected Mino Monkeys. Explore Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, take in the views from Osaka Castle Main Tower and relive dramatic stories of warlords and Osaka’s fascinating history. Then it’s time to board your cruise ship the Heritage Adventurer for lunch and a warm welcome from the Captain and Expedition Team as you set sail for Takamatsu.

Day 3

Tamano

From the port of Uno-Ko visit Japan’s most famed gardens, the 17th century Koraku-en, which translates as ‘garden of pleasure after’. Continue to Kurashiki, and explore the old merchant quarter, and its fine 17th-century wooden warehouses painted white with traditional black tiles. If you are interested in history and art you may wish to take a full day excursions to Naoshima Island, known for its architecture and art museums, including Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House, featuring work by Japanese and international artists.

Day 4

Hiroshima & Miyajima

Despite its tragic history as the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack on the 6 August 1945, Hiroshima is a vibrant and thriving cosmopolitan community. We plan to visit the beautiful Peace Park and Museum, with its sombre cenotaph containing names of atomic bomb victims, and the permanently lit ‘Flame of Peace’. After visiting the Peace Park we will travel to Miyajima Island, considered one of Japan’s most scenic spots and the location of the Torii Gate and the Daisho-in Buddhist temple. For those after a nature fix, ascend Mount Misen on Miyajima Island by cable car and enjoy a hike, admiring the views below of the Shinto Shrine and Torri Gate.

Day 5

Hagi

Hagi was a minor fishing port until Mori Terumoto fortified it in 1604 and it was Mori Samurai that helped spark off the anti-Tokugawa revolt in the mid-19th century. Today it is better known for its traditional pottery making. This morning we will explore the Teramachi District with its temples and shrines, the Jokamachi District, where we find the old Samurai houses and also take time to explore Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park and Tokoji Temple. This afternoon travel to the outskirts of the city and the Yoshika Taibi Memorial Museum which is dedicated to a large collection of Hagiyaki pottery which was highly prized in the Edo period as wares for tea ceremonies. Alternatively, discover the natural wonders of 300 million year old limestone Akiyoshido Cave.

Day 6

Ulsan, South Korea

Today we cross the Sea of Japan to Ulsan in South Korea where we plan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju. The capital of the Silla Dynasty and dating back to the first millennium, Gyeongju is known as ’the museum without walls’ and is full of ancient Korean history and Buddhist culture. Enjoy strolling through hundreds of excavated monuments, temples, tombs and pagodas, and experience Korean delicacies, cultural performances, and visit the National Museum with its gold jewellery, metal weapons, and distinctive pottery. Today provides a perfect taste of the best South Korea has to offer.

Day 7

Matsue

This morning we arrive at the port of Sakaiminato, entry point to Matsue, known as ‘the town of water’ due to being situated between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. We plan to visit Matsue Castle, a national treasure and one of Japan’s few largely intact 17th Century castles. Other options today may include exploring Daisen-Oki National Park, steeped in beauty and history it’s also the home of rare flora and fauna including the giant salamander, visiting the picturesque Yuushien Garden (the April departure coincides with the iconic annual Yuushien Peony Festival where we plan to experience the spectacle of more than 30,000 of the colourful blooms floating on serene ponds and lining the traditional garden’s paths in a floral carpet), the Adachi Museum of Art, learning about the art of Japanese paper making at the Yakumo-mura village, or perhaps you may wish to spend some time exploring the picturesque streets and local canals.

Day 8

Kanazawa

Options today include exploring the historic mountain settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, high in the remote mountains of the Shogawa River Valley in Hakusan National Park. Take in the sights on mountain walks and experience the unique cultural traditions including the region’s iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old, designed to withstand the heavy snow in winter and provide a large attic space for cultivating silkworms. Alternatively explore the rich art centre of Kanazawa discovering some of the unique styles of Japanese art. Kanazawa is rightly famous for its Kutani-style pottery, exquisite lacquerware, gold-leaf workmanship, hand painted silk, and classical Noh dance-drama performed since the 14th Century. Wander winding cobblestone streets, elegant restaurants, craft galleries and visit the impressive Edo-period Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and explore the Omicho Market boasting everything from flowers, to crafts and food.

Day 9

Sado Island

Today explore the remote Sado Island off the coast of Niigata with it’s stunning natural scenery, wildlife and rich history. Once political exile it now boasts rich cultural and religious life. Also home to the Japanese Crested Ibis which is extinct on the mainland, and the iconic Taraibune Tub Boats, which you will have the opportunity to experience. Sado Island is widely considered a perfect miniature version of Japan. Visit the Shukunegi Village National Important Preservation Area and learn more about traditional taiko drumming at the Sado Island Taiko Centre.

Day 10

Niigata to Tokyo

This morning sail into the bustling port town of Niigata, famous for snow, rice, sake, hot springs and the six-arched, granite-sided stone Bandai Bridge, designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property in 2004, and one of the most scenic spots in the city. Enjoy breakfast before travelling by Shinkansen, ‘bullet train’, to Tokyo. Enjoy an evening at your leisure. Please note: the 2027 departure finishes on Day 10, disembarking in Osaka.

Day 11

Tokyo

After breakfast continue your adventure or take a complimentary coach, departing 9am, to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport).